Protective cover for a tablet computer

ABSTRACT

A protective cover for a tablet computer is disclosed, which comprises a back cover and a front cover. The front cover includes an input side and a connector including a planar portion and a coupler for removably connecting the front cover to the back cover. The planar portion engages at least portion of a front surface of the tablet computer and the coupler engages an edge of the back cover.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/087,984, filed Mar. 31, 2016 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,742,458 onAug. 22, 2017, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/140,842, filed Mar. 31, 2015. The above applicationsare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and are tobe considered a part of this specification.

FIELD

The present teachings relate to a cover for a computer, and moreparticularly, to a protective cover including a detachable keyboard fora tablet computer.

BACKGROUND

The present teachings are predicated upon providing an improvedprotective cover for a tablet computer. While promoting portability,some tablet computers can be difficult to grasp and hold, which can leadto damage especially during handling and transporting. Accordingly,protective covers were introduced to protect the tablet computer fromdamage. For example, a folio-style protective cover can be folded into aclosed position to protect at least one side of the tablet computer;however, other parts of the tablet computer can be left exposed and canbe susceptible to damage during handling or transporting. Most tabletcomputers offer a virtual on-screen keyboard for data input; however,typing on a virtual keyboard can be difficult and cumbersome, especiallyduring prolonged periods. While various external keyboards are availablefor tablet computers, external keyboards may negate the portabilityadvantage of a tablet computer.

Some protective covers have attempted to integrate a keyboard with aprotective cover; however, disadvantages still exist. For example, someintegrated keyboards are not separable from the protective cover or thetablet computer, which can undesirably limit versatility of the tabletcomputer. While some protective covers attempted to provide a detachableintegrated keyboard, detaching and subsequently attaching someintegrated keyboards can be cumbersome. Moreover, certain protectivecovers that include integrated keyboards that only allow the integratedkeyboard to be used in a single, flat configuration or placed flat on asupport surface, which can make typing uncomfortable and cumbersome,especially when used for prolonged periods.

In view of the above, it may be desirable to provide an improvedprotective cover for a tablet computer. It may be desirable to provide aprotective cover for a tablet computer that can protect all surfaces andedges of the tablet computer. It may be attractive to provide aprotective cover with an integrated keyboard that can be quickly andeasily detached and attached to the protective cover, tablet computer,or both. It may be attractive to have a protective cover with anintegrated, detachable keyboard for a tablet computer that can providefor the tablet computer to be used in a variety of configurations. Itmay be advantageous to provide a protective cover and integratedkeyboard for a tablet computer where the integrated keyboard can beangularly positioned on a support surface. It would be desirable toprovide an improved cover for a tablet computer that is lightweight, canbe mass-produced relatively inexpensively, that has a minimal number ofparts, and that is easy to operate.

SUMMARY

The present teachings meet one or more of these needs by providing animproved protective cover for a tablet computer. The present teachingsalso provide a protective cover for a tablet computer that can protectall surfaces and edges of the tablet computer. The present teachingsfurther provide a protective cover with an integrated keyboard that canbe quickly and easily detached and attached to the tablet computer.Further yet, the present teachings provide a protective cover for atablet computer that can provide for the tablet computer to be used in avariety of configurations. Still further yet, the present teachingsprovide a protective cover and integrated keyboard for a tablet computerwhere the integrated keyboard can be angularly positioned on a supportsurface. The present teachings provide an improved cover for a tabletcomputer that is lightweight, can be mass-produced relativelyinexpensively, that has a minimal number of parts, and that is easy tooperate.

The present teachings provide a protective cover for a tablet computercomprising a back cover and a front cover. The front cover includes aninput side and a connector including a planar portion and a coupler forremovably connecting the front cover to the back cover. The planarportion engages at least a portion of a front surface of the tabletcomputer and the coupler engages an edge of the back cover.

The present teachings also provide a protective cover for a tabletcomputer, comprising a back cover and a front cover. The back coverincludes a stand and a rim. The back cover includes an input side, and aconnector including a planar portion and a coupler for removablyconnecting the front cover to the back cover. The stand includes a standhinge engaging an edge of the rim. The planar portion engages at least afront surface of the tablet computer so that the front cover isangularly oriented relative to a support surface extending below thefront cover and the coupler engages the edge of the rim engaged by thestand hinge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the protective cover and atablet computer according to the teachings herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the protectivecover according to the teachings herein;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the protective cover and atablet computer according to the teachings herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the protective cover and a tabletcomputer according to the teachings herein;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the protective cover and atablet computer according to the teachings herein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the protectivecover and a tablet computer according to the teachings herein;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the protectivecover and a tablet computer according to the teachings herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a portion of the protective cover anda tablet computer according to the teachings herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the protectivecover and a tablet computer according to the teachings herein; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the protectivecover and a tablet computer according to the teachings herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present teachings as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachingsshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the descriptionherein, but should instead be determined with reference to the appendedclaims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claimsare entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, includingpatent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference forall purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleanedfrom the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated byreference into this written description.

“Tablet computer” used herein can refer to any electronic device,computer, or multi-media device. Examples of a tablet computer caninclude, but are not limited to, the Apple iPad® or iPad Air®, theSamsung Galaxy Note®, the Microsoft Surface®, etc. (iPad and iPad Airare trademarks of Apple Inc. Galaxy Note is a trademark of SamsungElectronics Co., Ltd. Microsoft Surface is a trademark of MicrosoftCorporation.) The tablet computer may have a screen that can be a touchscreen. The tablet computer can have a battery, memory, and a processorwith software running thereon. The tablet computer can have WiFi andBluetooth™ connectivity. The tablet computer can provide internetbrowsing, data input, game playing, movie and picture display, etc.

The teachings herein provide a protective cover for a tablet computer.The protective cover may function to prevent damage to the tabletcomputer during storage, transporting, handling, typing, data input,reading, general use, or a combination thereof. The protective cover mayfunction to provide additional grip and/or support during handling,transporting, and/or during general use of the tablet computer. Theprotective cover may function to position, orientate, hold, stand,support, or a combination thereof the tablet computer in one or morepositions or configurations. The protective cover may absorb shock ifthe tablet computer is dropped. The protective cover may besubstantially thin and not add any substantial thickness to the tabletcomputer. The protective cover may provide an integrated keyboard, whichmay make typing and or imputing data into the tablet computer easier andless cumbersome. The protective cover may provide an integratedkeyboard, which may be easily, selectively detached and attached to thetablet computer. The protective cover may function to provide adetachable keyboard that a user can use in an angular configurationrelative to a support surface. The protective cover may function toprovide a detachable keyboard that can be folded onto at least a portionof the tablet computer to protect the tablet computer.

Generally, the protective cover may include a back cover and a frontcover. The back cover may protect at least a rear or back surface and/orone or more edges of the tablet computer, and the front cover mayprotect at least a front portion, surface or screen of the tabletcomputer, or vice versa. The back cover, the front cover, or both may befabricated from any material suitable for performing the aforementionedfunctions. Preferably, the back cover, the front cover, or both arefabricated from a lightweight, resilient, and durable material. Forexample, the back cover, the front cover, or both may be fabricated fromone or more materials like plastic, rubber, TPU, polycarbonate, rubber,silicone, leather, and PC+ABS. The back cover, the front cover, or bothmay be injection molded. The back cover, the front cover, or both mayinclude an underlayment with a skin formed overtop. The back cover, thefront cover, or both may function to provide a user with the ability topersonalize a tablet computer. For example, the back cover, the frontcover, or both may be any color (i.e., red, green, blue, yellow, teal,purple, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, the back cover, the frontcover, or both can include one or more patterns (i.e., stripes, polkadots, stars, herringbone, zig-zags, argyle, checkerboard, plaid, etc.),logos, pictures, etc.

The back cover may include a rim. The rim may function to cover,protect, and/or engage a perimeter of the tablet computer. The rim mayfunction to protect one or more edges of the tablet computer. The rimmay resiliently, snugly engage one or more edges of the tablet computerso that the back cover is securely attached to the tablet computer. Therim may have a generally C-shaped or U-shaped cross section. The rim mayfunction to cover, protect, and/or engage at least a portion of a frontsurface, screen, or both the tablet computer. The rim may include afront undercut surface for engaging at least a portion of the frontsurface, screen, or both of the tablet computer. The rim may include aline-to-line engagement with an outer portion of the tablet computer, ormay be smaller than an outer portion of the tablet computer so that aninterference fit between the back cover and the tablet computer can beachieved. The rim may include one or more nubs, projections, ribs,and/or thickened sections that may function to engage the tabletcomputer via an interference fit.

The back cover may include a stand. The stand may function to supportthe tablet computer in one or more positions or configurations.Preferably, the stand can move or pivot about one or more stand hingesso that the stand can support the tablet computer in one or moretablet-viewing configurations, one or more tablet-typing configurations,one or more tablet-storage configurations, or a combination thereof. Thestand can pivot about the one or more stand hinges so that the stand canbe placed into a stowed position. The stand, the stand hinges, or bothcan be located anywhere on the back cover. Preferably, the stand isconnected to an edge of the back cover or rim via one or more standhinges. The stand hinge may be removably attached to the back cover, theprotective cover, or both so that the stand can be separated or detachedtherefrom. The stand, the stand hinge, or both may be spring-loaded sothat when the spring is released, the stand pivots about the stand hingeand retracts away from the back cover. The stand may be magneticallyrepelled away from the back cover to move the stand from a stowedposition into one or more tablet configurations. The stand, the backcover, or both may include one or more legs, grips, gripping feet,anti-skid pads, etc. to prevent the stand, the back cover, the tabletcomputer, or combination thereof from slipping, sliding, or otherwisemoving. The stand may be separable from the protective cover.

A stand recess in the back cover may function to accept at least aportion of the stand when the stand is in a stowed position. Preferably,when the stand is in the stowed position, the stand is generally,substantially flush with a back surface of the back cover. The standrecess may be any cutout, notch, opening, etc. that may accept orreceive at least a portion of the stand. In a stowed position, the standmay be locked or secured to the back cover, a stand recess, or both viaone or more fasteners, such as one or more hook and loop fasteners,magnets, snap-fits, latches, prongs, knobs, twist locks, etc. A grippingrecess may be located near the stand, the stand recess, or both so thata user can easily access the stand to move the stand from a stowedposition into one or more of the tablet positions or configurations.

The back cover, the rim, or both may include one or more controlopenings that may provide access to one or more buttons, controls, orinputs of the tablet computer. The one or more control openings may beany features, recesses, cutouts, openings, slots, apertures, etc. sothat access to the one or more buttons, controls, inputs, lights,cameras, flashes, ports, plugs, jacks of the tablet computer is neitherrestricted nor inhibited. The one or more control openings may include asupporting structure, such as a grommet, for example, to protect the oneor more buttons, controls, inputs, lights, cameras, flashes, etc. of thetablet computer. The one or more control openings may also include oneor more control buttons. The one or more control buttons may function toprovide additional support for manipulating the one or more buttons,controls, or inputs of the tablet computer. For example, the one or morecontrol buttons may be positioned overtop of a volume control, a powerbutton, a dimming feature, etc. of a tablet computer so that a user caneasily and effectively manipulate said controls. The one or more controlbuttons may be fabricated from the same material as the back cover, thefront cover, or both, or can be fabricated from a different material.Preferably, the one or more control buttons are fabricated from anelastic, deformable, or rigid material.

The front cover may include an input side. The input side may include aninput device. The input device may include a keyboard. The input devicemay be integrally formed with the front cover, removably attached to thefront cover, or permanently attached or integrated with the front cover.The input device may be generally flat and smooth. The input device caninclude a keypad which can include a standard keypad (i.e. QWERTYkeypad), and/or a numeric keypad. The input device may have one or morekeys that can be touched by a user. The keys can be touch sensitive. Thekeys can be physically displaced or provide other feedback to the user'sfingers. The input device can include a trackpad. The front cover and/orthe input device can include a wireless transmitter for transmittingkeystrokes to the tablet computer. The wireless transmitter can use ashort-wave radio transmission with the Bluetooth™ standard. The frontcover and/or the input device may include a rechargeable battery and aconnection port to allow the battery to be recharged or for connectingancillary devices to the input device, the tablet computer, or both. Thefront cover and/or the input device may include a light source orindicator, such as an LED, to indicate the power status of the keyboard,and/or to illuminate the keys. When the front cover and input device isdetached from the tablet computer, the input device may still beoperational so that a user can still perform certain functions, such asinput data via keystrokes. The input side of the front cover can befolded over the front surface of screen of the tablet computer in thetablet-storage configuration.

The front cover may include one or more hinges. The one or more hingesmay provide for the front cover to move or pivot so that the front covercan engage the back cover, the tablet computer, or both in a variety ofconfigurations. The one or more hinges may bend, flex, move, displace,or a combination thereof so that the front cover can fold upon a frontsurface or screen of the tablet computer into one or moreconfigurations. (i.e., a tablet-storage configuration), or can folddownwardly away from the front surface or screen of the tablet computerinto one or more continuations (i.e., a tablet typing configuration).Preferably, the front cover may include two or more hinges

The front cover may include a connector. The connector may function toattach and detach the front cover to/from the back cover, the tabletcomputer, or both. The connector may include a planar portion and acoupler. The planar portion may engage a front surface or screen of thetablet computer and the coupler may engage the back cover, the rim, orboth. The coupler may include one or more coupling features that mayremovably engage the back cover, the rim, the tablet computer, one ormore mating coupling features, or a combination thereof. The one or morecoupling features may include any feature that may provide a secure, yetremovable connection between the front cover and the back cover, tabletcomputer, or both. For example, the one or more couplers may include oneor more magnets magnetically attracting opposing magnets located in therim, the back cover, the tablet computer, or a combination thereof; oneor more ribs or projections engaging one or more mating notches orgrooves (i.e., via an interference fit) in the rim, the back cover, thetablet computer, or a combination thereof, or vice versa. It isenvisioned that the one or more coupling features may also include oneor more quick connect features, hook and loop fasteners, detents, etc.

The protective cover and the tablet computer can be used in one or moreconfigurations. For example, the tablet computer can be used in one ormore tablet-typing configurations where the front cover, the tabletcomputer, or both are angularly oriented relative to a support surface.For example, in one or more tablet-typing configurations, the frontcover can form an angle with the support surface on the order of about 5degrees or more, 10 degrees or more, 15 degrees or more, or about 25degrees or more. In the one or more tablet-typing configurations, thefront cover can form an angle with the support surface on the order ofabout 40 degrees or less, about 30 degrees or less, about 20 degrees orless, about 10 degrees or less, or even about 5 degrees or less. In theone or more tablet-typing configurations, the tablet computer, the backcover, or both can form an angle with a plane extending generallyperpendicular to the support surface on the order of about 0 degrees ormore, about 5 degrees or more, about 15 degrees or more, about 20degrees or more, about 30 degrees or more, about 45 degrees or more, orabout 60 or more, or even about 70 degrees or more. In the one or moretablet-typing configurations, stand can form an angle with a planeextending generally perpendicular to the support surface on the order ofabout 0 degrees or more, about 1 degrees or more, or even about 5degrees or more.

In the tablet-storage configuration, the input side of the front covercan be folded over the front surface of screen of the tablet computer.In the tablet-storage configuration, the front surface or screen of thetablet can be at least partially covered by the front cover, but ispreferably fully covered by the front cover.

In the one or more tablet-viewing configurations, the front cover can beremoved from the back cover, the tablet computer, or both. In the one ormore tablet-viewing configurations, an angle of the tablet computerrelative to a support surface or an axis extending generallyperpendicular to the support surface can be adjusted any desired angleby moving or adjusting the tablet computer, the stand, or both via thestand hinges. For example, in the one or more tablet-viewingconfigurations, an angle of the tablet computer relative to an axisextending generally perpendicular to the support surface can be on theorder of about 0 degrees or more, about 10 degrees or more, about 20degrees or more, about 45 degrees or more, about 60 degrees or more, oreven 80 degrees or more. In fact, the angle of the tablet computerrelative to the axis extending generally perpendicular to the supportsurface in the one or more tablet-viewing configurations can be anyangle providing that the stand, the stand hinges, or both can maintainthe weight of the tablet computer. Accordingly, in the one or moretablet-viewing configurations, an angle between the stand and the tabletcomputer can be any desired angle.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the protective cover 100 andtablet computer 10. The protective cover 100 generally includes a frontcover 102 and a back cover 104. The front cover 102 generally includesan input side 106 and an opposing outer side 108. The input side 106includes an input device 110 with one or more keys 112 for communicatingwith the tablet computer 10. The front cover 102 also includes a firsthinge 114, a second hinge 118, and a connector 120 including a planarportion 116 and a coupler 122 (See also FIG. 2). As perhaps bestillustrated in FIG. 2, the coupler 122 includes one or more couplingfeatures 123 (not shown) that can removebly engage or attach to the backcover 104, a rim 124, the tablet computer 10, or one or more matingcoupling features (not shown) on back cover 104, rim 124, tabletcomputer 10, or a combination thereof. The first hinge 114 and thesecond hinge 118 can each move and/or bend and, together with theconnector 120, can provide for orienting the tablet computer 10 in oneor more of the tablet configurations 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150 (notshown) described herein. The planar portion 116 can engage or contact atleast a portion of a front surface 16 or screen of the tablet computer10.

The back cover 104 generally includes edges or a rim 124, a back surface126, and a stand 128. The rim 124 can snuggly surround one or more edges12 of the tablet computer 10 and at least a portion of the back surface14 of the tablet computer 10. The rim 124 can also engage at least aportion of a front surface 16 of the tablet 10. In other words, thetablet computer 10 is secured in the back cover 104 by virtue of aresilient tension applied by the rim 124 and the back surface 126against the edges 12, the back surface 14, and a least a portion of thefront surface 16 of the tablet computer 10. The back cover 104, the backsurface 126, the rim 124, or a combination thereof can include one ormore mating coupling features (not shown) that can be engaged by one ormore of the coupling features 123 (also not shown) on the front cover102. The stand 128 can support the tablet computer 10 and includes astand hinge 130 (not shown; See FIG. 3), which can provide forsupporting and orienting the tablet computer 10 in one or more of thetablet configurations described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the front cover 102. The frontcover 102 is shown separated from the back cover 104 and the tabletcomputer 10 (neither shown). The first hinge 114 is between the inputdevice 110 and the planar portion 116, and the second hinge 118 isbetween the planar portion 116 and the coupler 122. The coupler 122includes one or more coupling features 123 that can engage matingcoupling features (not shown) on the back cover 104, the rim 124, or thetablet computer 10 to removably connect the front cover 102 to the backcover 104 or tablet computer 10. The one or more coupling features 123can be any feature that can perform the aforementioned functions. Forexample, the one or more coupling features 123 can be one or moremagnets engaging one or more opposing magnets; one or more ribs orprojections engaging mating notches or channels (e.g., via aninterference fit, for example); one or more hook fasteners engagingmating loop fasteners; or a combination thereof.

FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of the protective cover 100.The stand 128 is moveably connected to the back cover 104 via the standhinge 130. The back cover 104 also includes a stand recess 132 forreceiving the stand 128 when the stand 128 is pivoted into a stowedposition 152 (not shown; See FIG. 10). It is contemplated that when thestand 128 is pivoted about the stand hinge 130 into the stowed position152, the stand 128 is substantially flush with the back surface 126 ofthe back cover 104. The back cover 104 also includes a gripping recess134 and a plurality of control openings 136. The gripping recess 134 canprovide for a user to easily grasp and move the stand 128 from thestowed position 152 to one or more of the tablet configurationsdescribed herein. The plurality of control openings 136 can provideaccess to various tablet controls or inputs 18. For example, the controlfeatures 136 can provide access to on or more plugs, ports, jacks,slots, buttons, cameras, lights, flashes, etc. so that the protectivecover 100 does not impede function thereof. One or more of the controlopenings 136 can include one or more buttons 138, which may assist auser in operating the tablet computer 10. For example, the buttons 138may be used with the control openings 136 to manipulate the tabletvolume adjustment buttons and/or the tablet power button.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the protective cover 100 engaging thetablet computer 10 in a tablet-typing configuration 140 (See also FIGS.1 and 3). In the tablet-typing configuration 140, the first and secondhinges 114, 118 bend so that the front cover 102 forms an angle α with asupport surface 20; the stand 128 forms an angle β with the supportsurface 20; and the tablet computer 10 forms an angle θ with an axis 22extending generally perpendicular to the support surface 20. Dependingon user preference, for example, one or more of the angles α, β, θ canbe moved or adjusted by moving or adjusting the first hinge 114, thesecond hinge 118, or both. This may be done by angling or moving thetablet computer 10 relative to the vertical axis 22, and/or by adjustingthe stand 128 via the stand hinge 130. In the tablet-typingconfiguration 140, the coupler 122 is substantially perpendicular to theplanar portion 116.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the protective cover 100engaging the tablet computer 10 in a tablet-storage configuration 142.In the tablet-storage configuration 142, the front cover 102 covers someor all of the front surface 16 of the tablet computer 10, and the backcover 104 substantially engages the tablet 10. In the tablet-storageconfiguration 142, the first and second hinges 114, 116 are moved andbent so that the input side 106 of the front cover 102 faces the frontsurface 16 of the tablet computer 10. In addition, in the tablet-storageconfiguration 142, the coupler 122 is substantially perpendicular to theplanar portion 116.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the back cover 104 engaging thetablet computer 10 in a first tablet-viewing configuration 144. Thefirst tablet-viewing configuration 144 may be substantially similar tothe typing configuration 140 shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, save for thefront cover 102 (not shown) is disconnected from the back cover 104 andtablet computer 10. In the first tablet-viewing configuration 144, thestand 128 can be substantially parallel to the support surface 20, andthe tablet computer 10 can form an angle θ with the axis 22 extendinggenerally perpendicular to the support surface 20. Depending on userpreference, the angle θ can be adjusted by moving the tablet computer 10and back cover 104 relative to the stand 128 via the stand hinge 130.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the back cover 104 engaging thetablet computer 10 in a second tablet-viewing configuration 146. Thesecond tablet-viewing configuration 146 may be substantially similar tothe first tablet-viewing configuration 144 (FIG. 6), save for both thestand 128 and an edge of the rim 124 contact the support surface 20. Anangle λ between the stand 128 and the back cover 104 can be adjusted viathe stand hinge 130.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the back cover 104 engaging thetablet computer 10 in a third tablet-viewing configuration 148. In thethird tablet-viewing configuration 148, the stand 128 and an edge of therim 124 contact the support surface 20. An angle λ between the stand 128and the back cover 104 can be adjusted via the stand hinge 130.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the back cover 104 engaging thetablet computer 10 in a fourth tablet-viewing configuration 150. In thefourth tablet-viewing configuration 150, the front cover 102 (not shown)is disconnected from the back cover 104 and tablet computer 10. Infourth tablet-viewing configuration 150, the stand 128 (not shown) canbe received in the stand recess 132 (not shown) so that the tabletcomputer 10 can lay substantially flat on the support surface 20.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the back cover 104 engagingthe tablet computer 10. In the stowed position 152, the stand 128 isfolded about the stand hinge 130 into the stand recess 132 so that thestand 128 is substantially flush with the back cover 104.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thu-s, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combination shallinclude the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, andsuch other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term “may”herein, it is intended that any described attributes that “may” beincluded are optional.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matterthat is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, norshould it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subjectmatter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

10 tablet computer

12 edges of tablet 10

14 back surface of tablet 10

16 front surface of tablet 10

18 controls or inputs on tablet 10

20 support surface

22 axis extending substantially perpendicular o the support surface 20

100 protective cover

102 front cover

104 back cover

106 input side

108 outer side

110 input device of input side 106 of front cover 102

112 keys of input device 110

114 first hinge

116 planar portion of connector 120

118 second hinge

120 connector

122 coupler of connector 120

123 coupling features of coupler 122

124 rim of back cover 104

126 back surface of back cover 104

128 stand

130 stand hinge

132 stand recess for receiving stand 128 in a tablet-storageconfiguration 142

134 gripping recess

136 control openings

138 control buttons

140 tablet-typing configuration

142 tablet-storage configuration

144 first tablet-viewing configuration

146 second tablet-viewing configuration

148 third tablet-viewing configuration

150 fourth tablet-viewing configuration

152 stowed position stand 128

α angle of front cover 102 relative to support surface 20

β angle of stand 128 relative to support surface 20

θ angle of back cover 104/tablet 10 relative to axis 22

λ angle between the stand 128 and the back cover 104

We claim:
 1. A protective cover for a tablet computer, comprising: aback cover comprising: a back surface having a first side and a secondside, the second side comprising a stand recess; a rim extending fromand around the perimeter of the first side of the back surface, the rimbeing configured to snugly retain the tablet computer against the backsurface; a stand pivotably connected to the back cover by one or morestand hinges positioned along the rim, the stand being configured tosupport the back cover on a support surface; wherein the stand ispositioned and configured to support the back cover when the stand ispivoted to a plane parallel to the support surface; and wherein when thestand is in a stowed position, the stand is substantially flush with thesecond side of the back surface; and a removable front cover comprising:an input side comprising a keyboard, a connector for removablyconnecting to the back cover; and at least one articulation pointenabling the front cover to bend between the input side and theconnector; wherein when the connector connects to the back cover, thearticulation point of the front cover is positioned higher above thesupport surface than the edge of the input side furthest from theconnector, and the input side is positioned at an angle relative to thesupport surface.
 2. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein theconnector of the front cover comprises one or more magnets, the backcover further comprises one or more opposing magnets, and the magnets ofthe connector are attracted to the opposing magnets of the back cover,removably connecting the front cover to at least a portion of the backcover.
 3. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the stand hinge isremovably attached to the back cover.
 4. The protective cover of claim1, wherein the stand hinge is positioned along the same edge of the backcover that connects to the connector of the front cover.
 5. A protectivecover for a tablet computer, comprising: a back cover comprising: a backsurface having a first side and a second side; a rim extending from andaround the perimeter of the first side of the back surface, the rimbeing configured to snugly retain the tablet computer against the backsurface; and a stand pivotably connected to the back cover by one ormore stand hinges positioned along the rim, the stand being configuredto support the back cover on a support surface; and a removable frontcover comprising: an input side, and a connector for removablyconnecting to the back cover.
 6. The protective cover of claim 5,wherein the front cover further comprises at least one articulationpoint enabling the front cover to bend between the input side and theconnector.
 7. The protective cover of claim 6, wherein when theconnector connects to the back cover, the articulation point of thefront cover is positioned higher above the support surface than the edgeof the input side furthest from the connector, and the input side ispositioned at an angle relative to the support surface.
 8. Theprotective cover of claim 7, wherein the stand hinge is positioned alongthe same edge of the back cover that connects to the connector of thefront cover.
 9. The protective cover of claim 5, wherein the stand ispositioned and configured to support the back cover when the stand ispivoted to a plane parallel to the support surface.
 10. The protectivecover of claim 9, wherein the second side of the back surface furthercomprises a stand recess, and wherein when the stand is in a stowedposition, the stand is substantially flush with the second side of theback surface.
 11. The protective cover of claim 5, wherein the stand ispositioned and configured to support the back cover when the stand ispivoted to a plane parallel to the support surface.
 12. The protectivecover of claim 11, wherein the second side of the back surface furthercomprises a stand recess, and wherein when the stand is in a stowedposition, the stand is substantially flush with the second side of theback surface.
 13. The protective cover of claim 5, wherein the connectorincludes one or more coupling features removably connecting the frontcover to at least a portion of the back cover.
 14. The protective coverof claim 13, wherein the coupling features of the front cover compriseone or more magnets, the back cover further comprises one or moreopposing magnets, and the magnets of the connector are attracted to theopposing magnets of the back cover.
 15. The protective cover of claim 5,wherein the stand hinge is removably attached to the back cover,allowing the stand to be removed from the back cover.
 16. The protectivecover of claim 5, wherein the stand hinge is positioned along the sameedge of the back cover that connects to the connector of the frontcover.
 17. The protective cover of claim 5, wherein the input sideincludes a keyboard.
 18. The protective cover of claim 5, wherein theinput side includes a touchpad.
 19. A protective cover for a tabletcomputer, comprising: a back cover comprising: a back surface having afirst side and a second side; a rim extending from and around theperimeter of the first side of the back surface, the rim beingconfigured to snugly retain the tablet computer against the backsurface; a stand pivotably connected to the back cover by one or morestand hinges positioned along the rim, the stand being configured tosupport the back cover on a support surface; and wherein the stand ispositioned and configured to support the back cover when the stand ispivoted to a plane parallel to the support surface; and a removablefront cover comprising: an input side comprising a keyboard, a connectorfor removably connecting to the back cover; and at least onearticulation point enabling the front cover to bend between the inputside and the connector.
 20. The protective cover of claim 19, whereinwhen the connector connects to the back cover, the articulation point ofthe front cover is positioned higher above the support surface than theedge of the input side furthest from the connector, and the input sideis positioned at an angle relative to the support surface.